Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales needs 3 days as a base for Torres del Paine National Park, with the three granite towers that give it its name and the W trekking circuit, 2 hours away. October-April is best for trekking. It's expensive, with lodging and gear offerings geared toward international adventure tourism. It's the mandatory gateway to one of the most photographed national parks in the world, and its waterfront on the Última Esperanza Sound offers views of hanging glaciers visible even from town on clear days.